Niels is a leading authority in the world of fine wine. Working with top tier wineries and wine regions across the world he has not only built a personal connection with them but also accumulated valuable insights and understanding of the industry.
Besides Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Dutch Wine Apprentice Niels is a frequent speaker on the topic of fine wine, with a focus on positioning, distribution and fine wine sales. He still takes time to write his own reflections and articles on the Dutch Wine Apprentice website.
Explore 23 German wines from leading VDP estates at Legends of Wine in Eindhoven’s Legends Lounge, guided by Cees van Casteren MW. From Riesling and Silvaner to Spätburgunder, discover how vineyard origin and maturity meet the cuisine of Michelin-starred chef Philipp Stein.
Sphaerics founders Laura Jones and Brian Ball bring a decade of preparation to California Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, from the celebrated Upper Barn Vineyard to their own Sonoma Coast estate near Occidental. Discover their story and our reviews of four 2024 wines, combining expressive fruit, refined texture and freshness with a distinct sense of place.
Robert Mondavi Winery celebrates 60 years in Napa Valley with a renewed Oakville estate and a new chapter under Director of Winemaking Kurtis Ogasawara. We explore the legacy of Robert Mondavi, the iconic To Kalon Vineyard, and the philosophy shaping the winery’s future through Kurtis’s story and four of its defining wines.
At Legends of Wine in Eindhoven, Château Cos d’Estournel and Ridge Vineyards came together for an exceptional fine wine dinner, exploring the distinctive expressions and ageing potential of Bordeaux and California Cabernet Sauvignon. Guided by Clément Robert MS and Cees van Casteren MW, guests enjoyed outstanding vintages of Cos d’Estournel and Ridge Monte Bello, paired with Michelin-starred cuisine by chef Erik van Loo of Restaurant Parkheuvel.
At Restaurant Tollius in Amersfoort, chef Barry Hamstra joins forces with Domburg Putten for an ambitious wine dinner pairing bold cuisine with exceptional bottles from Champagne, Bordeaux, Burgundy, Hermitage and Vintage Port. From Bollinger La Grande Année and Charmes-Chambertin to Chapoutier L’Ermite and Graham’s Vintage Port 1994, we explore an evening where great wines and distinctive food meet on equal terms.
Discover how Star Wine List connects wine lovers and sommeliers worldwide, as founder Krister Bengtsson shares his vision for the future of restaurant wine lists. Explore the Star Wine List of the Year Netherlands 2026 awards, celebrating the country’s finest wine programmes and their award-winning restaurants.
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